Peripheral neuropathy Board decisions

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted service connection, but the VA has determined that neither condition warrants a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral idiopathic sensorimotor polyneuropathy of the legs is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his current disability, including whether it is related to his military service or his service-connected diabetes.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed polyneuropathy is not acute or subacute peripheral neuropathy, and thus does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicides. The Board also determined that there is no evidence of a direct relationship between the Veteran's current condition and his active duty service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, diagnosed as secondary to frostbite sustained in service, is related to his period of active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury affecting the feet/legs is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the rate allowed by 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(r)(2) is granted, as he receives necessary and life-sustaining daily health care with hands-on facilitation by his wife who has received specific training and performs under the direction, guidance, and supervision of a caregiver.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus due to lack of in-service manifestation or continuity of symptoms after discharge.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his current disability status and ability to perform daily activities.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was granted, and he received a 20 percent evaluation for his peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity. The claims for hypertension and sleep apnea were also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and a skin condition, both presumed due to herbicide exposure, are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and bilateral extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to hepatitis C. The Veteran's TDIU claim is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for the lower back disability and higher initial ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus status post nissen fundoplication, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that his skin cancer, diabetes mellitus, type 2, hypertension, peripheral neuropathies, or erectile dysfunction are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension as caused by herbicide exposure and secondary to diabetes mellitus, and denied service connection for neuropathy of the hands, legs, and feet as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's contentions were not supported by medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the appellant's claims, including clarification on whether he wishes to pursue his claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and an eye disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of PTSD, and the other conditions were not shown to be related to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus type II, have rendered him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted SMC based on this need.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the statutory duration requirements for a total disability rating at the time of his death, and therefore DIC benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 were denied.

The Veteran's May 2008 VA Form 9 was untimely, and the appeal is denied.